During a House hearing hosted by the Foreign Affairs subcommittee on Europe, an exchange occurred between a Republican and a Democratic committee member over the misgendering of Rep. Sarah McBride, the first openly trans member of Congress. Rep. Keith Self, R-Texas, referred to McBride as “Mr. McBride,” prompting McBride to refer to him as “madam chair” in response.
Subcommittee’s top Democrat, Rep. Bill Keating, criticized Self for his remarks and called them “indecent.” Self attempted to continue the hearing, but Keating demanded that McBride be introduced in the correct manner. When Self refused, Keating declared the hearing adjourned.
The hearing was supposed to address topics such as arms control, international security, and U.S. assistance to Europe. McBride expressed disappointment in the early end of the hearing as she had prepared questions on nuclear nonproliferation and support for Democratic allies in Europe.
The incident is reflective of ongoing tensions in Congress regarding transgender rights. McBride, who made history by becoming the first openly transgender person elected to Congress, has faced criticism and discriminatory actions from some Republican lawmakers. This includes a resolution introduced by Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., aiming to ban transgender women, including McBride, from using female bathrooms in the Capitol.
Despite the challenges, McBride remains focused on her duties as a Congresswoman and sees the bathroom policy as an attempt to undermine her effectiveness. She recognizes the need to strategically engage in battles that will have the most impact.
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